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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) today supported a Farm bill that makes historic investments in specialty crops like the almonds, asparagus, and grapes grown in San Joaquin County and in renewable energy programs. The Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007 passed by a vote of 231 - 191.
“This Farm bill invests in California’s priorities by providing funds to support specialty crop research and expand specialty crop markets,” said Rep. McNerney. “I’m proud of this bill and the impact it will make in San Joaquin County and throughout California. I especially want to applaud my friend and neighbor Dennis Cardoza, for his leadership on this issue. He worked doggedly to ensure that the importance of specialty crops to our economy is recognized in this year’s Farm bill.”
This Farm bill guarantees a historic $1.7 billion in funding for fruit and vegetable programs, which have traditionally been ignored by farm programs. For the first time, the bill will offer support for specialty crop growers’ research and marketing assistance needs.
In addition, this bill makes historic investments in renewable energy programs by providing $2 billion in loan guarantees to develop refineries for renewable fuels - a key step toward bringing more renewable energy to market in America. The 2007 Farm bill includes funds for production incentives for biodiesel made from agricultural, forest, and plant waste materials.
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